The Fabulous Baron Munchausen (1962)

This is a one-of-a kind movie in its poised imagination. Zeman masterfully mixes together practical effects, beautifully drawn animation, and physical actors to depict an intricately strange world to adventure in, almost like a bizarre play. The film covers the fantastical exploits of the Baron Munchausen and Tonik, as they descend from the moon to the earth and become swept away in fantastical situations. From the oceans populated with odd sea creatures to the towering fortress of General Elermele, Zeman’s old world is dazzling as it is idiosyncratic. Tonik’s emphasis on logic and science become more diminished as he immerses himself in the Baron’s world; this leads Tonik ultimately to reach for the stars once again in search of love and fantasy rather than for science. The Baron exists in a plane of sheer imagination and exaggeration. He wonders why, when every other princess and beauty throws themselves at him over his manly eloquence and conquering of the chartered seas, why the princess stands alone in her lack of affection for him. To me, the princess’ whims stem from Tonik’s place as an outsider; she is initially drawn to his unexpected presence and grows more enamored to his freeing expressions of love.